Chapter 80: Chapter 78: Since You Like Her, Be Bold

Let’s analyze the text provided:

[Step 1: Contextual Analysis]

Literary genre: This appears to be a Chinese historical/fantasy web novel, possibly with martial arts elements (武馆 is mentioned).

Language style: The language is semi-formal narrative with colloquial dialogue.

Tone: Dramatic, tense, with romantic elements.

Plot keywords: rescue, hiding, government search, romance confession, crisis.

Characters:

- 武良辰 (Wu Liangchen) - Male protagonist

- 白二丫 (Bai Erya) - Female character who has feelings for Wu Liangchen

- 白老头/白叔 (Uncle Bai) - Bai Erya’s father, an elderly man

- 杨莲儿 (Yang Lian’Er) - A woman who seems to be wanted by authorities

- 萧荣 (Xiao Rong) - Appears to be an antagonist searching for Yang Lian’Er

- 梦婵 (Mengchan) - Mentioned as someone important to Wu Liangchen

Context: The scene is set at night with government officials searching houses for young women. Wu Liangchen arrives to protect Bai Erya from potential harassment. They confess their feelings for each other before officials arrive to search the house.

[Step 2: Integrated Translation and Polishing]

Let me translate the text while applying the polishing rules:

The Chapter shows Wu Liangchen arriving at Bai Erya’s house to protect her during a city-wide search for young women. He disguises himself as her brother to ward off potential harassment. During this tense moment, they confess their feelings for each other, but are interrupted by officials arriving to search the house.

Now, I’ll proceed with the full translation:

As the voice sounded, Erya ignored her father’s scolding and rushed impatiently to the window, pulling it open with one quick motion.

A man stood outside the window. Though the night was dim and his features weren’t clear, Bai Erya instantly recognized who it was.

She was simply too familiar with Wu Liangchen; she didn’t even need her eyes to know it was him—her instinct was enough.

That’s why, even though Wu Liangchen had covered his face with a black cloth last time, hadn’t spoken, and had been standing on a distant wall, Bai Erya had vaguely guessed his identity, though she hadn’t said anything.

Now, seeing the young man she thought about day and night standing before her, especially at this critical moment, Bai Erya felt herself surrounded by overwhelming happiness.

Even if she were to die right now, she wouldn’t have the slightest complaint.

"Erya, Uncle Bai, listen to me," Wu Liangchen said gravely. "The situation outside is extremely tense. Government officials and men from martial arts families are searching every house for young women. Without a strong man to back you up, it’s easy to suffer mistreatment. That’s why I’m here to help you deal with this."

Old Bai trembled like a sieve. Having lived his entire life as an honest, simple man, he had never encountered such a situation.

Before he could speak, Erya had already nodded without hesitation. "All right, Brother Wu. Whatever you say to do, we’ll do it."

"Let me come inside first!"

Once inside, Old Bai fumbled about lighting candles, his face full of terror.

Wu Liangchen softened his tone and said with a light smile, "Uncle Bai, there’s no need to be so frightened. I’ll handle everything. I won’t let anything happen to Erya."

Hearing these words, Bai Erya’s eyes suddenly brightened.

"Good, good, good!" Old Bai could only nod repeatedly in agreement, unable to say anything else at this point.

After reassuring Uncle Bai, Wu Liangchen turned to Bai Erya, who was staring at him without blinking.

"Erya, when the officials come in, hide in your room first. Don’t come out. I’ll handle things outside. If all goes well, that’s best. If not, then dirty your face a bit and mess up your hair before meeting them."

"No problem." Bai Erya nodded immediately.

Wu Liangchen hesitated, then added, "These people are coming on strong, so I must trouble you to pretend I’m your brother. That will make things easier to handle."

Bai Erya covered her mouth, her large eyes curving into crescents as she smiled.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Nothing. I’ll remember, brother!" Bai Erya said with a sweet smile.

Wu Liangchen: "..."

Wu Liangchen turned to tidy up the room, making the bed look messy. He then disheveled his own hair and smudged some black ash on his face. This way, anyone who didn’t know him well wouldn’t recognize him in the rush.

After doing this, Wu Liangchen still felt it wasn’t enough. After thinking for a moment, he poured some wine on his clothes, making himself reek of alcohol. Only then did he nod with satisfaction.

"Uncle Bai, go back to your room and sleep. When the officials come in, don’t say anything. They won’t give an old man like you any trouble."

Old Bai nodded shakily, glanced at his daughter, and then returned to his room.

As soon as Old Bai left, Bai Erya moved closer to Wu Liangchen, her autumn-water eyes blinking as she looked at him.

Wu Liangchen felt a bit unnerved by her gaze and couldn’t help asking, "What is it?"

"Was that black-clothed person who saved me before you, Brother Wu?"

"Yes!" At this point, there was no need to hide it anymore, so Wu Liangchen nodded frankly in admission.

"I knew it!" Bai Erya continued happily.

"So counting this time, you’ve saved me twice now. Brother Wu, how should I thank you?"

As she finished, an expectant look appeared on her face.

Looking at Bai Erya as she raised her head and gazed at him seriously, Wu Liangchen’s feelings were quite complex.

It was impossible not to be moved. After all, if there was anyone in this world besides Mengchan who cared for him wholeheartedly, it would be her.

Back when he had nothing and was just a poor cart-puller, Bai Erya had always taken care of him.

That’s why Wu Liangchen had rushed over in the middle of the night—to ensure Bai Erya’s safety.

He hadn’t even taken them away with him, choosing instead a more complicated method to keep Bai Erya from being drawn into a bigger whirlpool of trouble.

He could have taken them away from here, but they would still need to continue living in Dinghai City afterward.

Under these circumstances, even the slightest risk could be fatal.

Moreover, if nothing went wrong, he would be leaving Dinghai City in a day or two.

Because judging from the current situation, this Xiao Rong wouldn’t rest until he captured Yang Lian’Er.

In that case, all of Yang Lian’Er’s connections would be investigated, which would inevitably expose him. For safety’s sake, he’d have to leave Dinghai City to avoid the storm.

Seeing Wu Liangchen’s silent contemplation, the light in Bai Erya’s eyes gradually faded.

The excitement and happiness she had felt because Wu Liangchen had come to rescue her in the middle of the night vanished.

Fighting back tears, she lowered her head and tried to sound casual, "Brother Wu, I was just joking..."

Before she could finish, a large hand suddenly wrapped around her waist, pulling her into an embrace.

Bai Erya’s body stiffened, and she looked up with tearful eyes to see Wu Liangchen gazing at her with a serious expression.

"I’m not joking with you."

Perhaps moved by how Bai Erya held back her tears yet still tried not to make things difficult for him, or perhaps simply overcome by emotion, Wu Liangchen suddenly came to a realization.

To hell with all the complications. If he liked her, he should just be bold about it.

The girl had made her feelings so clear; it wouldn’t be manly of him to keep hesitating and overthinking everything.

So he embraced Erya directly.

In that instant, Bai Erya was overwhelmed by such happiness that she could barely stand.

"Brother Wu, you..."

"Actually, I’m the one who’s not good enough for you. That’s why I’ve never dared to accept your feelings. And you need to understand that if you’re with me, it will be difficult to live a peaceful life..."

The rest of his words were cut off by the young woman’s passionate and sincere kiss.

Only when Old Bai’s loud cough came from the other room did Bai Erya finally release him. Her cheeks flushed crimson, but her voice was unwavering as she said:

"No need to say more, Brother Wu. No matter what, no matter what you do, I’m willing!"

Wu Liangchen was also moved, but just then, the sound of pounding came from outside the door.

"Open up! Open the door quickly!"

Wu Liangchen’s expression tensed. "Erya, go to the inner room."

"Okay!"

Bai Erya obediently retreated to the inner room.

Wu Liangchen approached the courtyard gate, pretending to be drunk and muttering curses.

"Who is it? Disturbing people’s sleep in the middle of the night."

"Stop wasting time! Government inspection! Open the damn door!"

When the courtyard gate opened, more than ten officials rushed in and headed straight for the house.

Wu Liangchen hurriedly blocked them.

"Gentlemen, what’s this about? My sister is sleeping inside. It’s not appropriate to disturb a woman’s quarters." As he spoke, Wu Liangchen discreetly passed a handful of copper coins to the lead official.

It was just the right amount—not too much, not too little.

But the official didn’t take it. He coldly replied, "Your sister is exactly who we’re looking for. Have all the women in your household come out for inspection."